Matt Maini
Born: June, 24, 1968
Hometown: Holbrook, NY
Current Residence: Southside, AL
What is your Alabama Connection? I’ve lived in Alabama for the last 34 years.
Current pursuits in life & powerlifting:
My lifting goals are to try and stay competitive with other lifters my age.
Personally would like to stay involved in the sport and inspire future lifters. Also working on my second career as a college instructor.
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
Started weight lifting when I was younger but did not start powerlifting until 40 years old. I started lifting with the a group at Gold’s Gym in Rainbow City AL. Many of the lifters are current Hall of Fame members.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
I started going to local powerlifting meets around 2005 and I was amazed with the weight that was being lifted by some of the older lifters. I started seeing the groups that were all there to support each other and noticed the sport was not like others sports. Here your competition is one of your biggest supporters
What weight class(es) did you compete in? I have competed in the 242, 259 and 275 lb. weight classes
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Announcing a Meet
Best Lifts @ 242 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
352.5
573.2
898.3 P/P
RAW
Best Lifts @ 259 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
363.7
622.8
964.5 P/P
RAW
Best Lifts @ 275 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
347.2
633.8
920.4 P/P
RAW
How many years did you compete? 15 years and still going
Between what year and what year did you compete? 2010 - present
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in? 30
List your favorite meets you competed in.
WABDL World Championships, Las Vegas
What’s the highest classification you achieved? Elite in the bench press & deadlift
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
Developed a Powerlifting for Autism meet that raises money to allows the Alabama Autism Assistance program to provide therapy services to those that can not afford them. Setting world records in IPA, WABDL and also setting national records in the APF. To date I have won 8 world titles. and I am continuing training for more in the future
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
Many of the lifters that I lifted with at Gold's Gym (some are Gary Johnson, Brant Bishop, Bobby Driskell, Darryl Zuchelli, Emory Burns. Rick Hagedorn, Eric Roberts, Johnny Battles) and lifters I have met in different states like Terry Putman, Tommy Mason who have reached out at different times to help me keep myself focused on my lifting goals. I also got to train under Andy Bolton who helped me improve my deadlift. They have all helped me see how this sport is about being part of a special group that helps each other succeed even if they are competing against you or you are there to try and break one of their records.
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?
Using powerlifting to help raise money for individuals with Autism that cannot afford services.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
Have fun with the sport, do not get upset if you miss a lift. Use that to fuel your training for future meets. Help other lifters as much as possible. Push your competition to do their best and many times you will find out those people will become some of your best friends in the sport and will drive you to be your best.
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama?
State Chair, Meet Director and pertinent meets, Judge & level & Feds, ways you contributed to other meets (announcer, score table, spot/loader, expediter)
Meet director for Powerlifting for Autism, announced many WABDL, APF and other meets. State judge for WABDL.
Training @ Willmore's Total Fitness, RBC, AL
Matt w/ his Wife & Daughters
Lifting for Autism @ Ironbody Gym
Trussville, AL
550# Lifting for Autism
606.3 @ Jon Grove's APF Georgia
600.8 @ WABDL Southern Nationals Jonesboro, AR